Patriots Crush Old Dominion, 66-47

Posted: January 30, 2006 at 1:00 am, Last Updated: November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

The George Mason men’s basketball team used an 18-2 first-half run to break open a two-point game, and the Patriots’ defense never relented, as Mason blew out Old Dominion on Saturday afternoon, crushing the Monarchs 66-47 in front of 6,627 fans.

The two teams came into the game tied for first place in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) standings, along with University of North Carolina Wilmington, which also won on Saturday. Old Dominion had beaten Mason earlier in the year, 54-53, on a 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining in the game.

Mason (15-5, 9-2) made 75 percent of its shots in the first half, while Old Dominion (15-6, 8-3) managed just 33 percent shooting while committing 11 turnovers.

Tony Skinn and Will Thomas each had 16 points for Mason.

Mason has now won 14 of 17 after a 1-2 start. The Patriots have held six teams this season to fewer than 50 points, a school record. The win was the 105th CAA victory of Mason head coach Jim Larranaga’s career. The next victory will tie him for first all-time in CAA wins.

Mason returns to action on Thursday when the Patriots travel to Delaware to take on the Blue Hens at 7:30 p.m.